Mullah Baradar is the most senior member of the Taliban captured in the eight-year war against the movement. The joint raid conducted by U.S. and Pakistani forces suggests a change in tactics by Pakistan's ISI. For years the intelligence service was reluctant to target the Taliban. Daljit Dhaliwal interviews Hassan Abbas for more.
South Asia
U.S., Pakistan reap benefits of cooperation against Taliban
Drone war forces resurgent al-Qaeda to rely on franchises
The drone war in northwest Pakistan has brought attention to the attenuated al-Qaeda core that moved from Afghanistan in late 2001. But two events in December -- a failed Christmas Day bombing and an attack on CIA operatives in Afghanistan -- have led analysts to re-assess al-Qaeda's perceived decline. Worldfocus takes a look at the organization's evolution.
Afghan Taliban military leader captured in Karachi
Pakistani and American agents recently captured the second-in-command of the Afghan Taliban, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. Hailed as a major victory in the war in Afghanistan, last week's raid was revealed today by the New York Times. Zeina Khodr of Al Jazeera English has more on the latest news.
NATO offensive clears Taliban stronghold in Helmand
On the third day of the biggest allied military offensive in Afghanistan since 2001, U.S., British and Afghan troops have converged on Marjah, a Taliban stronghold and opium hub in Helmand province. Coalition forces are said to be engaged in numerous firefights throughout the city. Brian Katulis, senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, joins Daljit Dhaliwal for more.
Drones continue to eliminate major foes in NW Pakistan
This week, Pakistani Taliban finally confirmed what the Pakistani army had claimed many days ago -- that Hakimullah Mehsud was killed last month by U.S. drones. While there are conflicting reports about which strike dealt Mehsud the mortal blow, the Pakistani Taliban are leaderless for the second time in six months. Read how commentators are assessing the drone war.
Reaction to Siddiqui verdict reflects Pakistani mistrust
Worldfocus contributing blogger Sana Saleem writes about the Pakistani reaction to the trial of Aafia Siddiqui, the Pakistani neuroscientist who was convicted of trying to kill American soldiers while in custody in Afghanistan. She argues Aafia’s case highlights the underlying mistrust amongst the Pakistani people for the United States.
Smoking rates remain stubbornly high around the globe
According to the World Health Organization, while cigarette consumption is declining in some countries, the number of smokers worldwide is on the upswing. Those smokers also consume more cigarettes than ever. Explore our maps of smoking rates around the globe.
Worldfocus Radio: Future of Caste in India
India's Constitution, which banned caste discrimination, turned 60 last week. But caste has existed for over 3 millennia, and many people view caste - in addition to curry and the Taj Mahal - as one of India's defining features. We discuss the culture of caste, the reservation system and comparisons to the U.S. Joining Martin Savidge are Vivek Kumar and Corey Washington.
Week in Review: Negotiating with the Taliban
The idea of a negotiated settlement to the Afghan war gained new currency this week. In our weekly roundtable, James Rubin, a former assistant secretary of state in the Clinton administration, and Gideon Rose of Foreign Affairs magazine, join Daljit Dhaliwal to discuss the pitfalls and possibilities of negotiating with the Taliban.
Can local militias fight the Taliban in Afghanistan?
Worldfocus' German partner Deutsche Welle reports on a successful effort by local groups to drive out the Taliban in northern Afghanistan. And, Nora Bensahel, senior political scientist at the Rand Corporation, joins Daljit Dhaliwal to discuss the likelihood of succeeding with this strategy.